Katrina Rosales
Vintage perfumes are a tricky purchase, as their quality depends on various factors. The main enemies of perfumes are exposure to air, light, high temperature, and time. If stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, fragrances can last almost forever. However, the risk of buying vintage perfumes is that you may not know the storage conditions, and they may have been exposed to elements that alter their scent. While some fragrances age like fine wine, others turn bad in a couple of years. When buying vintage perfumes, it is recommended to ask the seller about the storage conditions and the age of the perfume. Certain fragrances, especially citrus-based ones, are more prone to changing over time, with top notes likely to burn off.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Vintage perfumes are generally safe to use, but there is always a risk of the perfume having turned bad. |
| Storage | Perfumes should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from exposure to air, light, and high temperatures. |
| Duration | A fragrance can last "forever" if stored properly. However, all perfumes will eventually change over time, with top notes often disappearing first. |
| Purchase | It is recommended to buy from reputable sellers and ask about storage conditions and the perfume's history. |
| Sample | It is advisable to start with a sample or a small amount of vintage perfume to test its quality before purchasing a full bottle. |
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What You'll Learn
How to buy vintage perfume
Vintage perfumes can be an alluring purchase, whether you're seeking a rare scent from the past or a unique gift. Here are some steps to guide you through the process of buying vintage perfume:
Research and Identify:
Start by researching and identifying the specific vintage perfume you want to purchase. Consider the brand, fragrance notes, and the era it was produced. Some vintage perfumes may be rare or discontinued, so knowing the details of your desired perfume will help in your search.
Find a Reputable Source:
Look for trusted sellers or boutiques that specialise in vintage perfumes. Seek out sellers with a good reputation and a deep knowledge of fragrances. Online stores like Fragrance Vault offer a wide range of vintage perfumes, and their staff can provide valuable insights and assistance.
Inspect the Bottle:
When considering a vintage perfume, carefully inspect the bottle. Check for signs of deterioration, such as discolouration, cloudiness, or separation of ingredients. A well-preserved bottle indicates better care and storage conditions, increasing the likelihood that the perfume has retained its original qualities.
Sample the Perfume:
If possible, request samples or testers of the vintage perfume. Reputable sellers often provide small samples for sale or as a courtesy to serious buyers. Sampling the perfume allows you to experience its scent directly and determine if it meets your expectations.
Compare Prices and Scarcity:
Compare prices across different sellers to get a sense of the market value for the specific vintage perfume. Keep in mind that rarity can influence price, so a scarce or highly sought-after perfume may command a higher price.
Purchase and Care:
Once you've found the vintage perfume you desire at a price you're willing to pay, make your purchase. Remember to store your vintage perfume properly to maintain its quality. Keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, and ensure the bottle is tightly sealed when not in use.
Following these steps will help ensure a satisfying experience when buying vintage perfume. With careful consideration and a bit of research, you can acquire a piece of fragrant history to cherish or gift to someone special.
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How to store vintage perfume
Storing vintage perfumes correctly is essential to maintaining their scent and preventing them from oxidising and expiring. Here are some tips on how to store vintage perfumes properly:
Firstly, avoid storing vintage perfumes in the bathroom. The humidity from the shower or bath can cause the more delicate ingredients to oxidise, resulting in an off-putting scent or a change in colour. Instead, choose a storage location that remains cool, dark, and dry. A closed cupboard or cabinet in an area with a stable temperature is ideal. Keeping the perfume in its original box between uses can also provide added protection from the elements.
Secondly, do not expose vintage perfumes to strong light, heat, or sunlight, as this can break down their essential oils and weaken the fragrance. Keep the bottles away from direct sunlight and bright light sources. If the perfume bottle is translucent or clear, consider keeping it in its original box or a custom opaque case to protect it from light exposure.
Thirdly, avoid storing vintage perfumes in the fridge. While some people believe this helps with preservation, the extreme cold can actually break down scent molecules and reduce the overall depth of the fragrance. Unless you live in an extremely hot climate, there is no need to store vintage perfumes in the fridge.
Lastly, minimise excessive movement and shaking of the perfume bottle. Excessive movement increases the perfume's exposure to oxygen, which can lead to oxidation. Additionally, avoid opening the perfume bottle unnecessarily, as exposure to air can affect the longevity and vibrancy of the scent.
By following these storage tips, you can help preserve the quality and longevity of your vintage perfumes.
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Whether vintage perfumes are safe to use
Vintage perfumes can be safe to use, but there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. Firstly, it is essential to understand that all perfumes age, regardless of whether they are stored properly or not. Over time, perfumes may experience changes in their chemical composition, leading to alterations in their scent. This is more prominent in citrus-based fragrances, where the top notes are likely to "burn off" within a few decades. Therefore, when buying vintage perfumes, there is always an element of risk involved.
To minimise this risk, it is crucial to purchase from reputable sellers who can provide detailed information about the product. Buyers should inquire about the perfume's storage conditions, age, and any signs of evaporation or colour changes. Reputable sellers who are transparent about the product's history are more likely to provide a vintage perfume that has been well-preserved.
Additionally, storage plays a vital role in preserving vintage perfumes. Proper storage can extend the lifespan of the fragrance. It is recommended to store perfumes in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. The ideal storage temperature for perfumes is between 15°C and 18°C, which can be achieved using a wine cellar. Storing perfumes in a refrigerator is not advisable, as it can alter the blend's characteristics and compromise its longevity. Exposure to air is another enemy of perfumes, as it can break down the composition and increase alcohol evaporation. Therefore, it is best to keep the perfume in its original box and bottle to minimise air exposure.
While it is safe to wear vintage perfumes, it is recommended to start with a small amount, such as a single spray on the hand, to ensure it does not cause any skin reactions. Some vintage perfumes may contain natural ingredients that could trigger allergies or chemical toxicities. However, this is not a cause for concern if one follows the common sense rule of testing a small amount on the skin first.
In conclusion, vintage perfumes can be safely enjoyed if purchased from reputable sellers, stored properly, and tested in small quantities first. However, buyers must accept the inherent risk associated with vintage fragrances, as the passage of time can alter their chemical composition and overall scent.
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How to tell if vintage perfumes have gone bad
Vintage perfumes can be a great find, but how do you know if they have gone bad? Here are some ways to tell if that delightful scent has expired:
Scent
The most obvious way to tell if your vintage perfume has gone bad is to test its scent. If the perfume smells of vinegar or has a significantly different scent than you remember, it has likely expired. Some perfumes may contain vegetable oils, which are known to expire over time, resulting in a change in scent. However, some perfumes may still smell pleasant even after they have technically expired.
Appearance
Check the colour of the liquid. If it appears darker, more opaque, or has changed from a clear/translucent gold to an amber hue, it could be a sign of expiration. Over time, perfumes with high alcohol concentrations may evaporate, resulting in a noticeable decrease in the liquid level.
Expiration Dates and Batch Codes
Many perfumes will have an expiration date or a PAO (Period After Opening) number printed on the packaging or the bottle. This can be helpful in determining if your perfume is past its prime. Additionally, batch codes are identification codes that specify when and where a perfume was produced. These codes are usually found on the bottom of the perfume or the box and can be used to look up specific information about your perfume's lifespan.
Storage
How you store your vintage perfume also plays a crucial role in its longevity. Heat is one of the top destroyers of perfume as it can break down the chemical structure. Keeping your perfume in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, is ideal. Additionally, avoid transferring your perfume to a new container, as exposure to air can accelerate evaporation and alter the chemical composition.
So, if you're wondering if that vintage perfume is still good to use, trust your senses, check the appearance and expiration details, and ensure proper storage to prolong its lifespan.
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Where to buy vintage perfumes
There are several online retailers that offer vintage perfumes. One such retailer is Fragrance Vault, which offers a wide range of vintage perfumes, including well-known brands such as Balmain. The website appears to cater to those seeking rare and discontinued fragrances, with some products listed as "vaulted".
Another option is Surrender to Chance, which also offers vintage perfumes from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. This website appears to be a great resource for those interested in the history of perfumery, with quotes from experts in the field discussing the importance of understanding the classics.
In addition to dedicated fragrance websites, online marketplaces such as eBay, Etsy, Mercari, and Facebook fragrance groups are also good places to find vintage perfumes. When searching on eBay, it is recommended to look under "Collectibles: Vanity and Grooming" rather than just "Fragrances" to find genuine vintage perfumes.
For those who want to sample vintage perfumes before purchasing, websites like The Perfumed Court and Surrender to Chance offer samples for a small fee. This can be a great way to discover new fragrances and narrow down your favourites before committing to a full-sized bottle.
Lastly, for those seeking a unique shopping experience, antique stores and flea markets can be a great place to find vintage perfumes and perfume bottles. While the selection may vary and require some digging, it can be a fun way to discover hidden gems and rare fragrances.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe to wear vintage perfumes just like you would a modern one, but it is recommended to start with one spray on the hand first as a test.
Ask the seller questions about the perfume's history, such as its age, storage conditions, and whether it has been well stored. If the seller is transparent and knows the time of issue, these are good signs.
Store fragrances in a cool, dark place, such as a wine cellar, with a constant temperature of around 15-18°C. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator as this can alter the blend.
Yes, vintage perfumes can go bad. The enemies of perfumes are exposure to air, light, high temperature, and time. If stored properly, a fragrance can last indefinitely.
